(INDIANAPOLIS) Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. (IEDI) today reported strong job growth, job retention, and capital investment numbers for the first quarter of 2009. IEDI participated in 16 projects, resulting in 1,161 new jobs, 1,139 retained jobs, and $26.5 million in capital investment. New jobs were up 33% over first quarter 2008, making it the second best start to the year in terms of number of new jobs in the past seven years.
ĀgIndianapolis, although not exempt from the current economic challenges, has certainly fared better than many other cities. We have a strong and diverse economy and companies that are still growing and adding jobs,Āh said Mayor Greg Ballard. ĀgJob creation and workforce development remain a key priority for my administration and our partners at IEDI.Āh
In recent months, IEDI staff members have teamed up with the Indianapolis Private Industry Council (IPIC), Marion CountyĀfs Āggo-toĀh source for workforce development, to conduct face-to-face meetings with the leaders of Marion County businesses. The purpose of these visits is to assess how IEDI and IPIC can help companies who are adding new employees, acquiring new equipment, relocating, or expanding current facilities.
ĀgWeĀfre meeting with 25 to 30 companies every week to see how we can connect them with the resources they need to grow and prosper,Āh said IEDI President and CEO Scott Miller. ĀgOur sole focus is on helping businesses create and retain jobs.Āh
First quarter successful projects include:
MainGate Inc., a full service merchandising and marketing firm, announced its plans to expand its headquarters and production operations in Indianapolis, creating up to 75 jobs by 2013. The company, which provides marketing and merchandising services to clients in the motorsports, stick and ball sports, corporate and wholesale industries, will invest more than $3.6 million to increase capacity at its 106,000 square-foot production and office facility. Current plans are to increase the facility to 170,000 square-feet.
StreetLinks National Appraisal Services announced the companyĀfs plans to expand its
Indiana operations in Indianapolis, creating more than 320 jobs in the next three years.
The company, which provides appraisal and land valuation services to mortgage lenders, will invest
more than $1 million to move its current Greenwood, Ind. operation to 30,000 squareĀ]feet of existing
office space on IndianapolisĀf south side.
Gilchrist & Soames, a luxury hotel toiletries company, announced plans to expand its global headquarters and manufacturing operations, creating more than 40 new jobs by 2014. The purveyor of cosmetic-grade bath and body products for luxury hotels and resorts around the world will invest more than $3 million to expand its 125,000-square-foot operation on the cityĀfs near southeast side.
SPG Graphics, a commercial printer and digital graphics company, announced plans to expand its printing and production operations in Indianapolis, creating more than 30 new jobs in the next five years. The company, which offers clients a single source for services ranging from printing to online order fulfillment and mailing, will invest more than $7 million to upgrade its printing and logistics operation on the cityĀfs northwest side.
About IEDI
Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc. is Marion CountyĀfs local economic development organization. IEDI is dedicated to providing business attraction; existing business retention and expansion; and location services in Indianapolis/Marion County, serving as a catalyst for capital investment and quality job growth. IEDI and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce operate with a collaborative agreement to leverage resources to better meet the needs of the Indianapolis business community. IEDI is led by CEO Scott Miller and a nine-member board of directors appointed by Mayor Greg Ballard.
Source: Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc.
